Sports & Outdoors
Renourishment shortfall with parking rule
July 31, 2025
$4.2 million example
BY MARCY SHORTUSE
A proposed parking plan for Gasparilla Island will affect the island’s future beach renourishment funding and could include a tax for renourishment, acco…
Sea Turtles: Disorented hatchlings can be prevented
July 31, 2025
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY
Last week, shortly after the start of one of our morning patrols, BGSTA volunteers received an urgent text message stating, “All, Denise has a major disorientation…
Mote Marine tests shark-repellent devices
July 31, 2025
Electromagnetic technology could reduce fishing depredation
Scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory’s research facility in Sarasota are testing devices that send electric pulses intended to repel sh…
Here comes the sand …
July 31, 2025
The Gasparilla Island State Park at Port Boca Grande is closed due to a planned state renourishment project. It had been scheduled for earlier but has had delays due to weather. The Port Boca Grande…
All-time shark week legend: Giant ‘Old Hitler’
July 31, 2025
As a young high school fisherman, I enjoyed fish legends. Big shark stories just enhanced the adventure and thrills. Everyone from Tampa Bay to Boca Grande Pass had huge hammerhead sharks Old Hitler…
EcoWatch: We need Eco warriors to speak up now
July 31, 2025
In a world where so much that is wild and free has been lost to us, we must leave these beautiful animals free to swim as they will and must. They do us no harm and wish us none and we should let th…
Gasparilla Island State Park south area closed for beach renourishment project
July 28, 2025
For safety reasons, Gasparilla Island State Park at the south end of the island will be temporarily closed at the southernmost entrance to the park due to the beach renourishment project, the Barrie…
A young conservationist’s ideas on keeping nests safe
July 24, 2025
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY
My grandkids from Kansas were visiting for the past couple weeks, and one of the highlights is having them join me for turtle patrol early in the morning. OK, it’s…
Englewood Beach parking asphalt repairs
July 24, 2025
On Monday, July 25, the south parking lot and circular drop-off area of Englewood Beach will be closed for asphalt paving repairs.
Chadwick Park will remain open with pedestrian access to the bea…
Tree crews out across island
July 24, 2025
Tree removal across the island, including on Gilchrist Avenue and at the location of the Clinic of the Future. The clinic has just begun laying foundations this week. Clinic construction photos…